Shaftsbury, Vt. - A 21-year-old tree company worker received face, head, and neck injuries this morning after he was shot with what has been reported as birdshot while in a tree attempting to cut limbs.
Vermont State Police have not released the identity of the victim.
The young man was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Additional information about his condition is unavailable at this time.
Police declared the shooting accidental in a prepared statement about the incident. VSP Det. Lt. Tim Oliver said that there appeared to be no malicious intent or ill-will on tha part of the shooter.
The shooting was reported at about 8:40 a.m.. According to police, the Trees, Inc. employee was cutting limbs that were hanging close to electrical power lines in the West Mountain Road area when he was shot. Police said that David P. Vanderwerken, 76, of Shaftsbury, was allegedly shooting at a squirrel and missed the animal but hit the tree company worker.
Another Trees, Inc. employee was on the ground near the victim when the shooting occurred and was able to identify Vanderwerken as the shooter, police said.
Oliver said that results of the police investigation will be presented to the Bennington County State's Attorney's office and a decision whether to charge Vanderwerken will be made by that office.
An investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call VSP Det. Lt. Tim Oliver at 802-773-9101.